Thanks Sandysue, that's brilliant advice! I want to do a degree in Nursing next year, so will be receiving a bursary should I get accepted on the course.

Thank for the great advice Aviva, much appreciated.

I have been receiving Incapacity Benefit (long term rate) and Income Support for a period of 7 years due to a genetic blood illness which requires blood transfusions fortnightly. I also have have Type 1 Diabetes. I am hoping to start an access course to HE at College next month with a view to start a degree next year. My course would involve 12.5 hours of study time at College. I have rang the DWP to inform them of change of circumstances, however they have asked me to put this in writing. Does anyone know what I need to write in my letter? I remember reading a template on this website, however unfortunately can't find it at the moment. Any other help would be greatly appreciated. Best regards.

You'll be type 2 in that case, as they would have you started on Insulin if you are Type 1. Hope this helps, and by the way, I am sure this won't be a barrier to your job. I am Type 1 myself, and as long as I take reasonable care in my treatment and well being, there is no problem.

Thanks poppynurse, this coming straight from the horses mouth has certainly made me feel more confident. By the way I am sure you are much more attractive than a horse....... ;-)

Thanks for your advice Andy, you have both put my mind at rest regarding the fact I can still pursue a career in Nursing. I guess I will just have to bite the bullet when being interviewed and discuss it is as openly and honestly as possible, whilst displaying the regret and remorse that I still feel. I wonder whether the better universities will reject my applications as a result.......ah well I guess I am no position to be choosy.

Bless you Pat, thanks for the advice. So do you think I should enrol on the course regardless, and have a good go at it. Maybe I can turn this into a positive by stating on my UCAS form that, even though I knew I wasn't guaranteed a place at University due to the enhanced CRB check I took risk in taking my current course as a result of my enthusiasm for the profession?

Hi guys, you have helped me immensely in the past and hope you can do the same with this query I have. I am contemplating starting a course this September(Access to Higher Education), with a view to going to University next year (Sept 2010) and starting a degree in Nursing as a mature student. I am aware that the NHS and indeed the Universities themselves carry out an enhanced CRB check prior to offering you a job and a place on the course respectively. My problem is when I was 14/15 years old I was cautioned for shoplifting along with a friend. As it happens I did not steal anything, but just happened to be with my friend and ran off when the security chased us. But that is besides the point, I was cautioned and I accepted this at the time, where my fingerprints and photo was taken. The police didn't take any further action, no rehabilitation or a court day, just cautioned me. Now this even occurred perhaps 15 or 16 years ago as I am now 30 years old. Since that time I have never been in trouble with Police whatsoever. Also since then I have applied for 2 jobs when I was around 17 years and 22 respectively I didn't enclose any convictions on the application form and got the jobs without problem. These jobs were in a well known fast food restaurant, and a retail shop. I have the following questions: 1.Would I be able to see what is on my enhanced CRB record prior to taking up my studies, so I waste no time and money on studying when no hope of getting the job? Any way through the freedom of Information act group perhaps? It seems strange that I am unable to check before any studies to save myself , prospective Universities and the NHS time and money. 2.Would the information, if there is any about the above events on my enhanced CRB record be detrimental to 1st of all studying for a Nursing degree, and 2ndly to actual be employed a Nurse in some capacity? 3.I am considering, studying/working in either one of the branches of Nursing including Mental Health and Learning Disability Course, would this kind of study/work be a no go area for me because of any information held? Sorry for the length for this post, but I figured the more information I gave, the better answers you would be provide for me. This has been really worrying since yesterday when I found out, I was looking so forward to studying and having a career in Nursing as well......:sad: I would appreciate if you guys are honest, as I don't to study hard for 4 years only to be told I can't work in a job that I would dearly love to. Thanks in advance, best regards.

Just been looking on the website, and it states that I am eligible if I receive a disability premium on my Income Support. Does long term Incapacity benefit count as an disability premium?? Thanks in advance.

eek, I apologise, thanks anyway love! I think I might email my local councillor, and see if she can pull some strings. I don't mind paying the debt, just don't want to deal with the bailiffs.

Cheers Huggy fella, really appreciate all the answers you have provided.

By the way, one final final question, what's the chance of having the full amount transferred over to the council, if I kicked up a fuss with my councillor. I mean I have been on Income Support/Incapacity benefit for 6 years now, and I am in poor health. Do you think the councillor would have any influence in changing the council's mind???

Hi guys, just been reading about warmfront and wanted to know if you guys think I would be eligible for a grant before I actually applied. Basically, we currently have no kind of Central Heating, just gas fires. I am on Income support and long term Incapacity benefit, so was just wondering if I would have to make a contribution towards the cost? Thanks in advance.

Cheers huggy, the last question I have just thought of is that, In the future if I wanted to pay of the remaining balance in one go, whether I would be able to do that without incurring any further fees?

Is it better to make payments by telephone or on their website? Any advantages to either method?

I see, thanks for the heads up mate.

The council employee I was talking to said Rossendales will send the paper work in the post, does that mean they won't send the bailiff around as long as I stick to my payments???

Council have negotiated on my behalf with Rossendales to agree a £20 per month payment, guess I am happy enough with that..........

Just been on the phone to the DWP. They will be sending a letter out, no problems. Also spoke, to my bailiff and he seemed pleased enough. Now the hard part , going to see the council this afternoon. Fingers crossed.....

Thanks for the replies guys, really appreciate them. I have been receiving benefits non stop for 6 years, so I might give the DWP a ring to see if they can write me a letter confirming this and take it along to the council with me. I guess, I should visit the council 1st of all and see what they have to say, and then inform the bailiff. I don't want him at my door everyday, no matter how nice he was on his 1st visit.

The bailiff did not enter the house, nor did I sign anything. He simply handed me the letter and I when I told him I was on benefits he told me I should contact the council. When you claimed your benefits, was there not a form for you to complete regarding housing benefit/council tax benefit? I have been on benefits for about 6 years, initially I was in receipt of council tax benefit, but I haven't claimed for the last 2 years because of forgetfulness. I think you have to reapply for council tax benefit on a yearly basis.

Thanks ever so much for the quick replies Chris, I appreciate it. So let me get this right, even though I have been in receipt of Income Support & Incapacity Benefit throughout the period that my Council Tax is due from, I will still have to pay directly from my Benefits? I was wondering if it would be worth contacting the council 1st to see if they can talk to the bailiffs, as my only crime seems to be the fact I forgot to apply for Council Tax Benefit? Thanks.

I hope you guys can help me as I am worried sick by a visit by an employee of Rossendales bailiffs earlier on today. Basically, I answered the door and he said my name, and informed me that he was here due to the fact I owe my council tax, and handed me a letter which stated the following: NOTICE OF ATTENDANCE MAGISTRATES LIABILITY ORDER/DISTRESS WARRANT FOR UNPAID COUNCIL TAX AMOUNT DUE £916.52 PLUS COSTS To make immediate payment call our 24 hour automated payment line 0845 078 1194 quoting ******* Now I think the amount stated is for part of last years council tax, but I have been on Incapacity benefits/Income support throughout this period but due to laziness/forgetfulness/negligence I forgot to re-apply for council tax benefit. Please could you tell me what be the best course of action to take to avoid paying this amount or sorting this problem out. If you require any further information please leave a message. As I said before I have been worried sick all day,so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.